So a friend sharpens

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. – Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron is a common phrase that when viewed in the natural sense can be misleading. Iron as it exists cannot really sharpen another iron, as they are of the same consistency and strength.

Before you all stop reading and screw me up, let me continue…

When iron has the same density, just like any other substance, it will not wear down or sharpen its counterpart. Therefore, and as intended in the Scriptures, there would have to be different levels of density, strength, and texture for the iron to sharpen.

The same is in the case of men, we can sharpen each other in these ways:

• tutorships
• spiritual guide
• sharing experience
• Learning from mistakes
• be a sounding board
• confident confidence

All this and more can be achieved without diminishing our character or making one superior or inferior to the other. As men, if we are strong enough to admit our own shortcomings, we give ourselves the opportunity to learn and grow with others.

The challenges we face today is that many men were raised with the idea that asking for help is simply not what we do. However, the men who gave us this advice were from a different generation.

This generation was already unknowingly sharpening the character of others in the form of things like the military, boys’ schools, discipline at home and at school, church communities, Rotary clubs, and other men’s clubs (at the time ), and most families who stayed together.

With this kind of background, a man’s expectations were pretty well set from the start.

However, in today’s world things are quite different. Military service is no longer required, church communities are more focused on raising money than families, and family structure is virtually non-existent.

As men today, many of us grew up in broken or dysfunctional homes. So we are thrown into a world of chaos with little morality. We are not prepared for the decisions before us and therefore we are forced to pay for the poor.

We feel we must maintain our Machiavellian bravado and refuse to show any signs of emotion or weakness. We prefer to make bad decisions and suffer in silence rather than ask for help. The idea of ​​sharing our problems or concerns becomes an unbearable option.

Last time I checked, we had the best teacher who exemplified what it meant to be a man, even if our own parents didn’t. Jesus had twelve…okay, eleven close male friends that he trusted as a mentor and companion. These friends were full of advice and were there to support, advise and comfort Jesus throughout his journeys.

It would seem to me that if we are willing to put our trust and faith in our Lord and his disciples over 2000 years ago, we could probably do the same today.

I challenge you to find a group of men, men who share similar values ​​and form a group. Make it a regular event, either over the phone or in person, to communicate regularly. Put it on the calendar, hold each other accountable. Speak the truth without shame with the men you choose, confess and celebrate. Nowhere does it say that you have to do all this life that God has given you alone.

Ask: What are you willing to give to start sharpening yourself in your life?

injuries,
C.J.